FUNK!| FIRST TIME HEARING The Brothers Johnson - Strawberry Letter 23 REACTION

[@andydurazo5337]

This single came out in red vinyl and strawberry scented.

[@trjbrew]

One of my all-time favorites. The original by Shug Otis is pretty good too, just more of a rock song than a Funk sound. In case you're wondering Strawberry Letter 22 referenced in the song is his girlfriend's letter to him. His response is the song itself, making it Strawberry Letter 23. The guitar solo is iconic and considered one of the most difficult to play. The guitarist is actually Lee Ritenour, and I'm sure I spelled that wrong.

[@chrispnw2547]

The power of music and reinterpreting a song performed by another group is an OPPORTUNITY to broaden your music catalogue and veer out to other genres and artists. Seriously, that was Lee Ritenour? Lee is still performing and has concerts scheduled in the PNW this month.

[@colibri1]

Shuggie Otis's 1971 original also has a sort of psychedelic feel to it. This 1977 one does, too, kind of. And Otis's original contains the same impressive guitar solo, copied line for line by the Brothers Johnson, but with maybe dual guitars or layered production to give a fuller sound.

[@heyheyjk-la]

The Shuggie Otis original is better IMHO and that entire Shuggie album is fantastic.

[@heidichristensen7919]

I’ve always wondered about the 22/23 difference with this song. Cool tidbit.

[@NJbakintheday]

Wow! Never knew that was Lee Ritenour. Thanks!

[@TS-ef2gv]

And just like that, it's the summer of 1977 all over again

[@ruthlafler5622]

Yes, right from that all-time great opening riff!

[@NJbakintheday]

Sometimes, I get emotional when I hear this psychedelic funk masterpiece. I just start daydreaming about my childhood in the 70s, and the memories just come pouring in. I'm so glad y'all finally reacted to this. Peace! ❤

[@andreadeamon6419]

Me too. I've always loved this song

[@shawnatiu9676]

Makes me so wanting to relive those times, the music, the fashion, all of it.

[@emayhand]

Trust me you aren’t the only one who gets emotional. At 58 this song just takes me back!

[@emayhand]

That was a Quincy Jones production. Dude was untouchable in the 70’s and 80’s!

[@pushpak]

Shuggie Otis originally recorded this on his 1971 album “Freedom Flight”. He wrote it at the age of 17 for his girlfriend describing the feelings evoked by "Strawberry Letter 22," the title indicating the hopes of another letter. It is commonly believed that she wrote to him on strawberry-scented paper but Otis told Spinner in a 2013 interview that the song has nothing to do with the smell of strawberries. "What I pictured when I was writing that song, was a girl handing a guy a pink envelope," he explained. "A love letter. The guy and the girl had written each other 22 letters so far. And the 23rd one he writes is a song. But no scents." - Songfacts

[@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra]

As told many times, it wasn't Shuggie himself writing for HIS girlfriend, but, rather: him using his brother (who went to war in Korea)'s relationship and experiences with HIS girlfriend. ...Either way: a total classic. 💜

[@jeffreyterrell9848]

Never realized this was a cover, just listened to it on Spotify,almost beat for beat, even the guitar solo is the same. Thanks for the info.

[@bcriswell]

I'm glad you mentioned Shuggie Otis because if someone hadn't, I was going to. Shuggie was one of those artists who was ahead of his time.

[@mermaid3363]

Also do "I'll Be Good To You", it delivers a funky love song.

[@stang7342]

Yes!!!

[@alaningram515]

YES !! I love the bass "slap".

[@kurtadams3021]

The LEGENDARY Iconic Brothers Johnson 💯

[@elijahablaze]

Quincy Jones co-produced this phenomenal groove. Some of the best musicians in the business played on this track and the epic album this song came from. Thank you Jay & Amber for doing a 1st reaction on this great cut 🎶

[@happymethehappyone8300]

The Brothers Johnson "I'll Be Good To You" ...R.I.P. Louis. 🙏❤️

[@andymageen5308]

The Brothers Johnson never disappoint, always a solid groove and creative arrangements. Funky and melodic in just the right mix. Their tracks, like this gem, still sound fresh, even in the future now. ✌️

[@AlexisLexLexi]

Originally written and performed by Shuggie Otis. I believe he wrote this song for a girlfriend at the age of 17 💜

[@fayesouthall6604]

Love the original it’s more dreamy than this version

[@sunnystormy4973]

-amazing- !

[@ednicholson7839]

Yeah Shuggie’s version is better

[@db-gb5xi]

Another vote for their song, I'll Be Good To You. There's also a remake of it with Quincy Jones featuring Ray Charles and Chaka Khan. And yes, you should check out the original Strawberry Letter 23 version from Shugie Otis.

[@jessejamessimons483]

All right my babies.... Big time banger ‼️ If you noticed in the lyrics it said "Strawberry Letter 22" it's a reference to a 22nd letter that he got from a woman. His response back to her and makes it the Strawberry Letter 23. And check this out...If you purchased the lp record back in the seventies, the album was see-through red in color, the label in the middle of the record was a scratch and sniff and it smelled like strawberry ‼️ Most definitely a collector's item for sure ‼️💯🔥😎👍🏼

[@deniseg812]

I don't remember that.

[@DavidBMaas]

Their song Get The Funk Out My Face will absolutely blow your mind.

[@pattyduke3079]

Got the next reaction by them

[@surlechapeau]

Jay & Amber, you'll love their "I'll Be Good to You"!!

[@larryproctor8234]

Agree, they should.

[@larryproctor8234]

Me teen years , the brothers and EWF my favorites.

[@floridamom6495]

Yassss!!

[@irisr.fullwood1345]

😝😘😁FOR SURE!!!!!!

[@Kathy-bk6cg]

And STOMP 😊

[@vickiengels3096]

I am 67yrs old and when this came out I danced to this song over and over, night after night. When you hear this ya gotta dance!

[@ob7483]

Despite its simplicity, that's one of the coolest guitar solos ever.

[@jamespowell5602]

This came out in 1977, and it was a nice hit. That was during my house party days, as a teenager. The bass player was one of the best. Louis could use his teeth to play the bass. They called him thunder thumbs. One of the brothers, Louis Johnson sadly passed away in 2015.

[@johnnydavis5080]

He is buried at rose hills cemetery in Whittier CA

[@akastarchild]

My favorite Brothers Johnson's song. #1. Love them. 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@GeezerNerdRox]

With Quincey Jones producing the Brothers Johnson jams they couldn’t help but be epic !!

[@davenamanda]

Thanks for playing one of my suggestions! I'm sure others have also suggested it since it's such an amazing tune. Way too cool...reminders of younger years!

[@joecveteticccvetetic4068]

1978..im close..this one all funky!

[@helgar791]

I beat you to it a few years ago, but I'm glad they listened to you because they've never listened to one of my suggestions.

[@GinaGeeILuvu]

I absolutely love this song! I have this on my current playlists! The Brothers Johnson were so smooth! Love them! Next time you should react to their song “Get The Funk Out Ma Face” or “I’ll Be Good To You”! ❤❤

[@florap79]

❤

[@tebindack]

1 of the best and most original singles of all time.

[@maha77]

*_'A present, from you - Strawberry letter 22'_* one of the most beautiful poetic lines ever. I love how the title of the song is inferred from this line, but never used in the song

[@sallyphillips9175]

Love this song so much! I didn't have a 45 of it, but I did of "Stomp!" ... which I pretty much wore out! I still have it. ETA: Woohoo, y'all are almost at 500K subscribers!

[@fayesouthall6604]

Stomp is fantastic

[@robinbailey5715]

I have their song “Stomp” on a 45 record. I have wore that record out too. This is real music. Today’s music is totally crap.

[@fayesouthall6604]

@@robinbailey5715 stomp was co written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones. Such a groovy duo.

[@helgar791]

One of my all time favorite song from that era as well. Their "I'll Be Good To You"" and "Stomp" were big hits and were my two other faves by them. Do "I'll Be Good To You" next because the groove is so smooth. By the way, Louis Johnson, the bass player here, was one of the first followers of Larry Graham of Sly and The Family Stone, the originator of the funky slap bass, which Johnson uses so well here.

[@avalangrin4904]

Thunder-thumbs and Lightening Licks: The Brother’s Johnson, I love them!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@eileendobbs8009]

Louis Johnson R.I.P. one of the best slap bassist ever. Stomp and Get The Funk Outta My Face really show case his bass playing.

[@EricHenning]

This song is amazing! I remember at the time it seemed like the love child of Parliament Funkadelic and Yes. Everyone loved this song and it always filled the dance floor.

[@coodermo5263]

Thanks so much for doing a Brothers Johnson song! You should also love Brothers Johnson - Get The Funk Out Ma Face

[@1dognight166]

That ol summertime jam. First hit for them

[@RetiredAF2021]

Great great song, Get the funk out of my face, and Stomp are also great songs by them.

[@nikkitodd9820]

That album cover is so nostalgic for me. As a 7 year old, I would have my sweet mom play this song over and over while I stared at the cover. Same thing with the Isley Brother and Atlantis. This takes me back to my childhood, which is a beautiful thing.

[@memorylane7068]

Yeah, I'd like to have a T-Shirt of the album cover.

[@ohjoy6]

Voyage to Atlantis 💞 Two of my favorites, too, You have good taste!

[@nikkitodd9820]

@@ohjoy6 Thx. You, too.

[@thebeardedseeker5633]

I still remember hearing Voyage to Atlantis when I was kid. Such a hypnotically beautiful song. ❤

[@faith.s_mom]

I never get over how lucky I was to be growing up in the 60's and 70's~ the diversity in the music that was out there hasn't been topped (imo) in the decades that followed, until quite possibly now!! Thanks for taking me back~ ❤

[@butterflymama0838]

I was 8 years old in 1977 when this came out. My parents didn't listen to these types of bands, but my aunts did and I remember dancing around to this song! Fun times. That is when I fell in love with Funk/Soul/R&B music. Great song and great reaction! ❣️✌🏻

[@jbjacobs9514]

I was 9! I was so obsessed with this song. I wore my sister's 45 of this OUT and finally just swiped it from her. LOL

[@stevelinares8309]

The funk kicks in right after the epic guitar solo ! Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind 🎶🎶🎶 My brother was high AF when he wrote this jam.

[@magneto7930]

Such a killer tune! Not just a funky piece of music, but a very creative work of art!

[@happymethehappyone8300]

A MUST HEAR uplifting R&B/Soul Classic,, The Blackbyrds "Walking In Rhythm"..TRUST ME.❤

[@stang7342]

Yes!!!

[@baird5776mullet]

This brings back a lot of memories from 77-78, it was also used in the movie "JACKIE BROWN" which would be a great movie for Jay and Amber to watch and react, with, Robert De Niro, Samuel Jackson, Pamala Greer

[@MixedMediaArtByTrina]

This song is perfection. 😍

[@squ34ky]

I know y'all do movie reactions as well. If you've watched Jackie Brown (film by Quentin Tarantino), this song plays during a crucial scene.

[@itsahellofaname]

Takes me straight back to high school in the 70s...love it!

[@sassmcg2606]

One of my favorites and throws me right back to being a younger teen in the late 70s.

[@rksnj6797]

Amber, I love your Thin Lizzy shirt! How can you not love The Brothers Johnson???

[@stephaniejones4749]

I love me some Brothers Johnson. They had so many hits they used to be session players for I believe Quincy Jones but once they were playing everybody hit the floor. Rest in peace, Louis Johnson . You should check out "Get the Funk Out My Face"

[@jeffreyriley8742]

This song is magic.

[@StevePhil-qw4ep]

This song is timeless... One of my all time faves, although it takes me right back to Summer 1977 as a 6 year old people running in our house asking if we heard Elvis died. As a 6 year old, I'm like who's this Elvis everybody is crying over and I sat down and watched his memoriam. Such a sharp memory in my mind, but this song still shines on that sunny Summer day

[@bryaninglis9532]

Great tune the Brothers Johnson are brilliant. Their song STOMP is one of the greatest dance tunes in my opinion, the bass WOW.

[@andydurazo5337]

Love this song!

[@leisastalnaker3790]

My generation but it never gets old.❤❤❤❤❤

[@anthonygallop290]

All through the morning rain I gaze The sun doesn't shine Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind

[@hankarmentroutjr6896]

Awesome music. My neighbors were all black my entire life. If I was visiting this would be playing and I always loved it then and I still love it now. Know it WORD FOR WORD

[@jbjacobs9514]

My sister had this on 45 and I admit that I stole it from her (she still doesn't know!), and I still have it! I played it out and out and out to the point of wearing it out. I especially love the middle bridge because of how it is so unique and quirky and how it builds on itself each time it repeats with different and more complex instrumentation. Amazing SONG!

[@jackiehinton890]

This reminds me of riding down Main Street as a teen played this song every time

[@janicereinhard6840]

I had this album in 1977. So many memories listening to it in the summer with the windows down and my friends singing

[@robertschiavone5159]

Absolutely one of my favorite Brothers Johnson songs

[@captainsatellite2112]

Love this song. Totally funky and psychedelic and great when trippin'.

[@lisae9958]

FINALLY!! That song was and still is one of the BEST funk songs EVER!! Now you need to hear 'Get The Funk Out My Face'🤗🤗

[@lisawicks8205]

My all-time favorite by The Brothers Johnson. Y’all taking me back I was young, but I swear I could remember when this came out the album smelled like strawberries, it actually smelled like strawberries.

[@tylerhackner9731]

One of my favorite 70s song jams

[@williamcalderon9158]

Great reaction guys. This was long overdue brothers Johnson are a tremendous artist. If I may suggest once again, Michael Bolton, Richard Marx, and someone you have not reacted to yet Neil Sedaka.

[@christopherwinkler4451]

It is amazing how music can transport you back to a specific place and time. For me, this song takes me back to my time in navy basic training in the late summer and early fall of 1977. If the day went well we were allowed to listen to the radio. We agreed on a Top 40 station in order to try to please everyone. This song and Rita Coolidtge's cover of Boz Scaggs' Were All Alone always take me back to that time.

[@jdw5678]

A glorious interpretation of the Shuggie Otis original -- Quincy Jones did a masterful production job here. Another good Brothers Johnson tune is their first big hit, "I'll Be Good To You" from 1976. Bassist Louis Johnson went to play on Michael Jackson's Thriller album. That's his famous bass line at the opening of "Billie Jean."

[@guitarelaxed]

The guitar interlude is played by session guitarist Lee Ritenour. Louis Johnson, who plays the bass, is an acomplished session player, who also plays on Michael Jackson´s "Off the Wall" and Quincy Jones´ "The Dude"

[@kevinsacks3185]

another fun fact: in the Blues Brothers Movie Louis is playing bass on the James Brown track, The Old Landmark

[@harpergras]

Another song that you both will love by these brother`s is " Get The Funk Out Ma Face "...Jay will love the bass guitar in this one ( Get The Funk Out Ma Face ) by Louis Johnson.

[@robertschiavone5159]

My favorite song from them

[@jamesstarks3676]

Y'all need to check and compare this to the original artists who wrote and performed this. His name: Shuggie Otis. It's good to always hear the original.

[@Tejaye777]

Really love this song. It just makes me feel I'm in the 70s with Bell bottoms and Big hear. I was born in 1974 turning 50 a little later this month. I can't remember practically anything about the 70s must have been a good time to live in though.

[@SharonC225]

Yay! Yay! Yay! I'm so very excited before I even click on the video! ❤❤❤ You can't not chair dance to these guys! Love your reactions! ❤❤

[@mikeat2637]

The Brothers John have always been a favorite of mine for for almost 50 years now and their music has never gone out of style......................and never will. I was a DJ back in the mid-to-late 1970's and three of their songs were on every playlist I put together. You've already reacted to Stomp, and now Strawberry Letter 23. Then next one you should react to is the third in my trifecta, another great song "I'll Be Good To You". There is a very nice live video on The Midnight Special page on YT. I still have quite a few of my vinyl from that time and one of the best is an extended version of the song, and is struck in pink clear vinyl. It's very cool.

[@terryallen345]

I remember this from the time, haven't heard it in decades. Thank you, job done today, have a giant smile on my face 😊

[@user-nu3cv8xw5q]

So very good! We were lucky to have this music in the 70s and I am so glad a newer generation is discovering it. Back in the 70s we just liked it. I grew up in a very small non diverse town in Michigan at the time but all of us love this music.

[@donnafields2271]

This is my favorite from Brothers Johnson. I love funk too and this was a great one! ❤

[@Grainraiser]

Oh yes the Brothers Johnson. Remember playing this on 8 track in my 1972 Chevy Malibu thru Kraco speakers and a power booster. The women loved Louis because he had the perfect afro for the times. Those brothers were funky. I would to you react to Tom Browne Jamaica Funk. Needs to be the video version since it adds so much to the song.

[@sergiorivas]

FINALLY! I've been asking for this one for months. It's one of my favorite songs and the Brothers Johnson are some of the most creative musicians of the 70's. Now let's get a song by The Time under our belts. Start with Cool or if you have to, Jungle Love.

[@Ghost_Dragon_76]

When music was fun and positive ! Still lovin' it in 2024 !

[@victormendez2789]

Hadn't heard this in a while. One of my all-time favorites!!! Yeah, summer all the time!!! Top down, chop down, ride into the sunset or the dawn..whatever ya want!!!

[@naturalsovereign9761]

Im only 54 but i know this is drig inspired music, the best im an indian but i grew up black, thank god

[@fotosbyduane]

The first time 13 year old me heard this I knew this was special!! A true banger!!

[@tomlindroos828]

Brothers Johnson were amazing!!!! Super super talented!!!!!

[@tonyterry6631]

Guitarist/vocalist George and bassist/vocalist Louis formed the band Johnson Three Plus One with older brother Tommy and their cousin Alex Weir while attending school in Los Angeles, California. When they became professionals, the band backed such touring R&B acts as Bobby Womack and the Supremes. George and Louis Johnson later joined Billy Preston's band and wrote selections for his albums Music Is My Life and The Kids & Me before leaving his group in 1973. In 1976, the Brothers covered the Beatles' song, "Hey Jude", for the musical documentary All This and World War II. Quincy Jones hired them to play on his LP Mellow Madness, and recorded four of their songs, including "Is It Love That We're Missing?" and "Just a Taste of Me". After touring with various artists including Bobby Womack and Billy Preston, they were hired by Quincy Jones for a tour in Japan and produced their debut album Look Out for #1, released in March 1976, which went to number 9 on the U.S. Billboard chart. Their Right on Time album was released in May 1977 and reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 200. Blam!! came out in August 1978 and reached number 7 on the Billboard 200. Two of the band's songs were featured on the soundtrack of the 1976 film Mother, Jugs & Speed and one on the 1997 film Jackie Brown. The instrumental track "Thunder Thumbs and Lightnin' Licks" refers to the brothers' nicknames. "Get the Funk Out Ma Face" was cowritten with Quincy Jones. Their popular album Light Up the Night was released in March 1980 and rose to #5 on the Billboard 200. It was number 46 on the "Top 100 LPs of 1980" list in Rolling Stone. The brothers self-produced the subsequent album, Winners; released in July 1981, it only reached #48 on the Billboard 200. Among their most popular songs are "I'll Be Good to You" (Billboard Hot 100 #3 in 1976) which prominently featured Syreeta Wright, "Strawberry Letter 23" (Hot 100 #5 in 1977, originally recorded by Shuggie Otis), "Ain't We Funkin' Now" (1978), and "Stomp!" (Hot 100 #7 and Hot Dance Music/Club Play #1 in 1980). Their styles include funk, and R&B ballads. Each album also included at least one instrumental cut that would either be considered light jazz ("Tomorrow", 1976; "Q", 1977; "Streetwave", 1978; "Smilin' On Ya", 1980; "Tokyo", 1984) or funk ("Thunder Thumbs & Lightnin' Licks", 1976; "Brother Man", 1977; "Mista' Cool", 1978; "Celebrations", 1980).

[@MosaicRose99]

I remember blasting this on my car radio driving down the highway in the 70's. :)

[@justjack0715]

Wow! And just like that it's 1977. Thanks so much for taking me back to a simpler time in my life... 😃

[@willieveasey9798]

The Brothers Johnson were also referred to as: Thundering Thumbs and Lightning Licks for the way they played the guitar.

[@BCashion1962]

Thanks so much, Jay & Amber, for your great reaction videos! I especially enjoyed this one; I still have my 45 of "Strawberry Letter 23" that I bought when it came out in 1977... It even came in a strawberry-scented picture sleeve, which still smells very faintly even after all those years.

[@debibailey2968]

Loved The Brothers Johnson! A couple of others to try are I'll Be Good To You, and Get The Funk Out A Ma Face! ❤❤❤❤

[@AutumnLeaves00]

Brothers Johnson ❤

[@charleneweege7149]

One of my favorite songs. Haven't heard it in a long time. Not even on the oldie stations.

[@horacerobinson7149]

Thanks for getting back to the Brothers Johnson here's a couple of suggestions for some Brothers Johnson I'll Be Good To Ya (1976) Ain't We Funkin Now (1978) Get The Funk Out My Face (1976) thanks again Jay and Amber 😊

[@user-qr5mr4gr2k]

Great choice, great song. Rufus and chaka khan tell me something good could be a great choice to satisfy your funk needs.👌👌

[@locatewyoming8609]

Best high hat symbol Solo you're here in funk And that's why they're in the rock and roll hall of fame

[@lisaann6267]

"Strawberry Letter 23" is a song written and composed by Shuggie Otis from his 1971 album Freedom Flight. son of johnny Otis- Mr. Otis can be heard on Johnny Ace's “Pledging My Love,” Charles Brown's “Drifting Blues” and other seminal rhythm and blues records, as well as on jazz recordings by Lester Young and Illinois Jacquet.

[@platterjockey]

The first time I heard this was on an 8-Track tape my sister borrowed from this guy she was seeing in 1977. I was immediately impressed. Two months later, my local radio station played the 12" version.

[@jessearmstead2237]

This is Vibe, on another lvl, this song is timeless, gets better n better.

[@dexterfurman9118]

Never heard this song before until it was used in Jackie Brown. Love this song.😊

[@joek7606]

I always think of Jackie Brown when I hear this tune.

[@stargells1384]

This one and Get the Funk out my face. I can listen over and over.

[@marywinick7075]

Oh man! Love this! Middle school vibes....yes, I have the original vinyl 😂

[@user-rq7lc9ds1c]

Brothers Johnson, get the funk out my face hits the bass hard

[@davezink7944]

Dorothy Hamill skated to that song in 1977 in the Ice Capades - she won a gold medal in the 1976 olympics- she'd spin like a drill during the guitar solo - awesome stuff back then!

[@danraffaniello1258]

Used to deliver newspapers as a kid in Brooklyn NY when this song came out. Love it. AM jamming

[@GeneralZodFDNY77]

Man, this was FUNK!!! My mom and dad wore the eff out of this record and 8 track. Like it literally could not be played anymore. Them boys SLAYED!!!